Mac doesnt ask password on boot?

[sunrobby]

Hi, im a new mac users. Usually in Windows, it will ask you for a password even if there is only one account on user setting. And there is an option to lock the computer (password will be asked if you want to unlock it). And i can't find such option in mac, i have only one user in user account, and i can only find an option to ask password when mac back from screen saver or sleep. Can i do a computer lock in mac? (if i want to leave my computer, and to be sure nobody plays with it, do i have to wait until the screen saver start..) And how to make the mac ask password when it's starting, can i do so? Thanks

 

[eva01]

make sure the box in the system preference for accounts does not have checked off for auto login feature

 

[GimmeSlack12]

For locking the screen when your screen saver becomes active you need to do the following:
1. Go to Preferences>Security: Hit the Check Box that locks on Sleep or Screen Saver.
2. Optional: Go to Preferences>Expose: Turn on a Hot Corner for your screen saver to be activated, so you don't have to wait for the thing to go on after 5 minutes (or whatever the time limit is for your Saver).

 

[sunrobby]

make sure the box in the system preference for accounts does not have checked off for auto login feature

Ok, i didnt realize that, thanks

 

[sunrobby]

still wondering if i can lock my mac.. i know i can always choose the mac -> sleep, but i wonder if i can just 'lock', i dont want to put my mac to sleep cause i want its network still on

 

[WildCowboy]

still wondering if i can lock my mac.. i know i can always choose the mac -> sleep, but i wonder if i can just 'lock', i dont want to put my mac to sleep cause i want its network still on

Did you read GimmeSlack12's post?

 

[sunrobby]

Did you read GimmeSlack12's post?

Sorry i missed it so i still have to go screen saver in order to lock the computer? And one way to make it goes to screen saver is activate the hot corners to go to screen saver.. ok thanks

 

[trainguy77]

Sorry i missed it so i still have to go screen saver in order to lock the computer? And one way to make it goes to screen saver is activate the hot corners to go to screen saver.. ok thanks

Another way to do it would be enable fast user switching system prefs>accounts>login options(10.3 should be the same or similar in 10.4) Then set up a key combo to switch to the login window or just use the menu in the top right.

 

[jsw]

Another way to do it would be enable fast user switching system prefs>accounts>login options(10.3 should be the same or similar in 10.4) Then set up a key combo to switch to the login window or just use the menu in the top right.

That is a better way to do it. I think I recall reading somewhere long ago that it was more secure. You can also set up a preference in the Accounts pane to have the Mac ask for login/password instead of prompting with a list of accounts for you to click and then provide a password - more secure because it doesn't give away your account name.

 

[trainguy77]

That is a better way to do it. I think I recall reading somewhere long ago that it was more secure. You can also set up a preference in the Accounts pane to have the Mac ask for login/password instead of prompting with a list of accounts for you to click and then provide a password - more secure because it doesn't give away your account name.

That is in the same pref pane.

 

[semaja2]

I actually have mine autologin but i have a openfirmware password, its much more secure IMO as especially with a laptop its not easy to get to the battery (i dont even know how macs store the password)

 

[trainguy77]

I actually have mine autologin but i have a openfirmware password, its much more secure IMO as especially with a laptop its not easy to get to the battery (i dont even know how macs store the password)

All you have to do is pull the battery out for a little bit. Its very easy to get to on most macs. For example the emac i am looking at right now has the access door for a the ram and the battery is right next to that.

 

[cjc343]

If you go to /Applications/Utilities/

Open "Keychain Access"

go to "Preferences..."

Check "Show Status in Menu Bar"

This will make a little lock icon appear in the top right-hand corner of your screen. Selecting "Lock Screen" will start the screen saver.